Volume 62 Issue 7 - Fort Myers High School

photo collage by Will Andre
The Greenwave end their football season with a record of 8-3. The Fort Myers Varsity football team’s season ended with
a record of 8-3 after losing to the Manatee Hurricances 28-31 on November 16, 2007. Logan Hulslander threw for a school record 283
yards, and Kai Oliveira scored two touchdowns in the last game of the season. Scott Hinds says, “This football season has been the most
memorable time of my life.” When thinking about this season, Lou Alguadich says, “It was the best part of high school.” Ramere Hornes,
C.J. Odom, Kai Oliveira, Scott Hinds, and Lou Alguadich were chosen for this year’s Lee County All-Star Team. Congratulations to our
football team.
Dancing with
the stars!
Aries (March 21 – April 19) - You may wear a smile on your face, but everyone knows
you mean business. You are on the ball with everything… homework, sports, whatever it is
you’re on it! Keep up the good work and don’t forget to always leave a little time for fun.
Taurus (April 20- May 20) – This week you are feeling especially generous. Give people
more than they expect. You may even find yourself giving time to a charity…remember that
it is the season for giving. Your kind heart lifts the spirits of everyone around you!
Gemini (May 21- June 21) - You are anxiously awaiting a big occasion. Whatever it may
be make sure you plan it properly, you want everything to be just perfect. Don’t get too
stressed about it, everything will be “a-okay!”
Cancer (June 22- July 22) – Things are starting to turn a new leaf for you. The sun is
shining brighter than ever and you can’t help but smile. Take the most out of these problem
free days because forecast predicts a storm of troubles soon to come.
Leo (July 23- August 22) – You’re such a joy to be around and everyone wants you in their
company. But beware of those who are after more than your friendship. You are good at
reading people and you are smart enough to see who your true friends are.
Virgo (August 23- September 22) – You recently took part in a big event and your
excitement is still at an all time high. Just take a minute to catch up on things. You don’t
want to miss out on every day things because you are too busy recalling the past.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Try not to be too compulsive this week. The decisions you make
will have a greater affect than you realize. Put thought into everything you do, and don’t
rush it. It will be worth it in the long run.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): You have been feeling extremely worn out lately. It seems like
school is taking a big toll on you right now, but you can’t let it get you down. If you have
been feeling low, try making plans with an old friend or someone you don’t see that often. It
will brighten your spirits.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): This week you might find yourself questioning many things.
If you ask these questions to the right people, you will get the right answers. Don’t take “I
don’t know” for an answer. It’s time to find out the truth.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your week will begin with a rocky start. Parents, teachers,
and grades will start to stress you out; however, you can handle all the pressure if you focus
your mind on the task at hand. By mid-week things will be looking up and you will find
yourself coping with everything much better.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your creative mind will come into play this week. Try to come
up with new ideas for the classroom and suggest them to your teachers. They will appreciate
your interest and creativity!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You might be feeling left behind with recent matters that have
taken place with some of your friends. Don’t let that hold you back from being the happygo-lucky
person you are. Your time will come, and when it does you will be happier than
ever.
Phi Delta Y takes
the first step to
Tallahassee
domination
by Jessica Ayers
Fort Myers, FL, November 19- Bills are
debated, cases are argues, political papers
are published, and leaders are formed, this
must be Washington. No, this was First
Baptist Church on Saturday November 17th.
The Fort Myers High School Phi Delta Y
(Youth in Government) club gathered there to
participate in their Fall District Conference,
a precursor to State Assembly in Tallahassee
this February. This conference not only helps
the delegates succeed at States, but will allow
them to size up their prospective competition.
Fort Myers High School belongs to District
III of Florida YiG. The gubernatorial candidate
from District III hails from Cape Coral High
School, who also attended the event. Delegates
from Barron Collier and Sarasota also
participated. When students arrived they split
into their different program areas: legislative,
judicial, and press. There, the delegates
mocked the state government, legislative
writing bills, judicial arguing cases, and press
publishing a newspaper. The tradition of
awards and appointments to state office that
Fort Myers has is not from lack of hard work.
Students at FMHS work hard all year to ensure
these coveted positions. Hard work at FDC
ensures success and domination at States.
Hopeful future leaders also received
their nominations at FDC. Angelie Vasquez
is a third year junior, and at States this
February will be running for the position
of Commissioner of Agriculture. Another
candidate from FMHS is Gurtej Walha, who
hopes to be elected as Williams House Speaker.
The FMHS students are starting to plan their
Tallahassee take-over. Will fellow delegations
be ready when they step up to the plate?
For additional information please contact:
Jessica Ayers at greenwave826@yahoo.com.
Senior Superlatives
Announced
Best All Around:
Laurie Gegen Mike Hardy
Friendliest:
Bailey Gilmore Adam Wright
Best Eyes:
Julia Silva Sam Lewis
Most Academic:
Jennifer West David Huang
Best Smile:
Albani Gustason David Smiley
Most Unique:
Krislin Kreis Taalan Lieberman
Most Spirited:
Brittney Washam, Corrinne McCabe
Will Andre, Nick Pontiff
Most Involved:
Kasey Phillips Ameen Kazemi
Best Looking:
Rachel Antonucci Tim Raber
Most Talented:
Kayley Bishop Blake Sobczak
Most Athletic:
Grace Turner Kenny Palmer
Most Outgoing:
Whitney Wolanin Frankie Alaimo
Class Flirt:
Mariella Marcucci Ryan Patrone
Best Dressed:
Ashley Duncan Stephen Millage
Most Likely to Succeed:
Nilushi Karunamuni Frank Myslicki
Tidal Wave Staff
Eric Ambert
Kayly Balink
Laura Bisbee, Editor
Corinne Bowden
Chauntel Brown
Jordan Brown
Rhiannon Cappannelli
Noelia Cruz
Morgan Frink
Armando Grez
Alex Hillberry
Melissa Hubble
Lynanne Lowry
Dakendo Michel
Jessica Norris
Daniela Patino
Annisha Price
Brittany Ratliff
Monika Simic
Jay Valentine
Kiyanna Wingate
Austin Yorski
Tidal Wave Newspaper
Published by
FMHS Journalism Classes.
For more information about
advertising in the
Tidal Wave Newspaper,
please contact
Mrs. Carmen Weigel,
Newspaper Advisor
at 239-334-2167, ext. 159.
Principal, David LaRosa
Athletic/Activities Director, Joni Logan
2635 Cortez Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Copyright 2007
Congraulations to David Huang and
Vishan Persuad
The Sunshine State Scholars Program,
provides the opportunity for every district
in Florida to showcase its excellent
student performance in mathematics and
science.
The Sunshine State Scholars Program is
unique in that it focuses on seniors, and
also in that it assesses both mathematics
and science knowledge. It represents an
opportunity to recognize those students
who excel in the mathematics and science
standards of the Florida curriculum
frameworks.
These District Scholars then compete for
the designation Regional Sunshine State
Scholar in Mathematics and Science
Two of the four Lee County winners are
our very own Fort Myers High students:
David Huang – Winner
Vishan Persuad – Alternate
David will represent our entire county at
the regional competition.
Top 10 ways to go green!
10. Wash and dry only full loads of laundry
and dishes
9. When they ask “paper or plastic”? Stick
with paper.
8. Use email instead of paper correspondence.
7. Buy products you can reuse! Such as
water bottles; you don’t have to immediately
throw them out when you’re done
using them. You can always refill the bottle
with water and use it again.
6. Use cold water instead of hot water
whenever possible.
5. Plant trees to shade your house.
4. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
and you can save a lot of energy!!!
3. For all you camera/cell phone people,
buy rechargeable batteries for devices
that you use frequently.
2. Walk or ride your bike whenever you
can! Not only can you stop air pollution but
burn off those few extra holiday calories.
1. And last but not least simply recycle.
December 14, 2007 Volume 62, Issue 7
photo collage by Will Andre
Back Row: Holly Cunard, Marissa Marazzi, Jessica Potanovic, Taylor Emerson, Meg Potter, Kristin Shotwell, Muki Kangwa, Whitney Loubier, Ciara Brown
Front Row: Coach Stephanie Martin, Courtney Greenberg, Brynn Snyderman, Laurie Gegen, Brittany Potanovic, Rachel Antonucci, Brittany Brinson
Congratulations Lady Wave Volleyball
by Daniela Patino and Morgan Frink
Our 2007 volleyball season has finally come to an end. Congratulations to our Lady Wave team for finishing their season with a record of 24-6 and
making it all the way to the regional semi- finals. “I think we did really well, we had a lot of young girls who really stepped it up,” said Laurie Gegen.
St. Thomas proved to be the hardest game of the season, when they gained a victory on November 6, completing the
season for our Lady Wave Volleyball team. Aside from the loss, Coach Stephanie Martin says “This year was awesome!”
Although this season was filled with many great memories, one memory that really stands out for Laurie Gegen and Coach Martin is
beating ECS on senior night. It was a great accomplishment and a remarkable triumph for all the seniors. Brittany Potanovic, Rachael
Antonucci, Laurie Gegen, and Muki Kangwa are this year’s seniors. Congratulations for making it this far. We are proud of you!
False alarms easy to trace
Bomb threats are felonies
by Laura Bisbee
Not all ambitions are necessarily academic. Some students aspire to much loftier goals, for
instance, committing a felony in high school. Felonies, according to U.S. law are among the
most serious crimes you can be charged with, such as aggravated assault, rape, grand theft, and
murder. But, seriously, for my “average Joe” juvenile delinquent out there looking to stir up
some real trouble, what is the simplest way to earn you a few years in prison? I advise trying the
classic bomb threat. Not only will you cause mass hysteria among faculty and students trying
to escape the school, but when the call you’ve made is traced back to your phone, you’ll get
the pleasure of being handcuffed and driven away humiliated in the back seat of a police car.
Such happened to one lucky teenager right here in Lee County. When a fifteen year
old student came calling “bomb threat” recently at 7:15 am into a local high school, not
only was everyone quickly evacuated from the building, but an extensive search of
the school on part of the police and fire departments took place. Fortunately for the
school, no explosives were discovered, and students were let back into the building.
Unfortunately for the student who made the phone call however, the call was traced
backed to him, and he was charged with a false bomb threat by the authorities.
“We want to bring concern to students about making false bomb threats,” says Officer
Harrington, deputy sheriff here at our school “They want to pull pranks and jokes, but the
department takes any bomb threat seriously”. Students, of course, who do cry wolf and make a
false bomb threat face suspension, expulsion, fines, the revocation of their driver’s license, and
of course, a few free nights down in their own room at the local prison. False bomb threats also
often prevent both the fire and police departments from responding to other serious calls where
people might actually be in trouble. So please, students, the next random day you considering
on making a bomb threat, remember the consequences. It isn’t very smart to do otherwise.
Fort Myers High
one of best at
college prep
Fort Myers High has been recognized
as one of the country’s best high schools
at getting students ready for college.
The school was given a silver medal
by U.S. News & World Report magazine,
which recently ranked the top 100 high
schools in the country and others that
do a good job at college prep work.
Fort Myers did not make the top 100, but
easily cleared the bar for getting a silver medal.
that is given to all high schools that did not
place in the top 100, but which had collegepreparatory
scores of at least 20. Fort Myers’
score was 38.2. That score is a measure of the
degree to which a school’s students master
college-level material as shown by their
participation in Advanced Placement classes
and their scores on corresponding AP exams.
According to the report, 52.4 percent of
Fort Myers High students take AP courses,
and 55.8 percent of students taking AP exams
received the passing grade of 3 or higher.
(AP exams are graded on a scale of 1 to 5.)

Rachel Antonucci invited to
attend the Annual AutoZone
Liberty Bowl Football Classic
by Daniela Patino and Morgan Frink
Rachel Antonucci, homecoming queen
As you all know, Rachel Antonucci was
crowned our 2007 homecoming queen, but
what you don’t know, is that she was invited
to participate in the 49th Annual AutoZone
Liberty Bowl Football Classic in Memphis,
Tennessee. Every year, homecoming queens
are chosen to take part in this enjoyable
event which includes a patriotic pregame
show and a half time show that is
performed by a nationally known entertainer.
Rachel was picked to partake in this event
because she is one of the top queens in the
state of Florida. Homecoming queens are
selected by their academic achievements,
community service, and their all-around
status as an outstanding individual. “I am
really exited and I think it will be a great
opportunity. I am really honored that they
chose me, it’s a really cool thing,” says Rachel.
The AutoZone Liberty Bowl is just for
the young ladies to get together, have fun,
and to be recognized for their outstanding
achievements. This bowl is the 7th oldest
Bowl game in America and was founded on
the principles of freedom, patriotism, and
liberty. All girls are to wear white as they will
represent the white in the red white and blue
patriotic theme. Each queen is permitted one
guest, but Rachel says her whole family is
going to go up with her and maybe Tim Raber.
Along with all the other events taking place,
on Friday, December 28 there will be a parade
that is held on historic Beale Street. All of
the queens, including Rachael, will ride on a
float. Saturday, December 29 is the Annual
AutoZone Liberty Bowl Football Classic. This
game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Congratulations to Rachel Antonucci for being
chosen to participate in such an honorable event.
FMHS welcomes new biology teacher
by Morgan Frink and Daniela Patino
We recognize another addition to the FHMS
staff, Ms. Johannes. Ms. Johannes is one of the
biology teachers here this year. Ms. Johannes
is new to Fort Myers High School, but not new
to the teaching profession. She has taught
at Marcus High
School in Texas,
Lely High School in
Naples, and Edison
College. Graduating
from Write State
University in Dayton,
Ohio, and having her
undergrad from the
University of North
Texas, Ms. Johannes
admits that she did
not always want
to be a teacher. “I
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is
Ms. Johannes, new biology teacher at FMHS
actually wanted to be a doctor; however, I did
not stay focused on my goals. After I have had
the wonderful experience of children, teaching
took on a new perspective. Now I cannot
imagine doing anything else,” says Johannes.
When asked why she wanted to work at Fort
no path and leave a trail…” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Myers High School, Ms. Johannes said, “I
came to teach at FMHS because it was highly
recommended by former students. The staff
and administration are also very ambitious
to make the school very successful in every
aspect of education.”
She also says that one
of the main differences
in our school is the
block scheduling which
she really likes. Ms.
Johannes feels that
teaching here is a great
and rewarding position.
In her free time, Ms.
Johannes lives a very
active life. She enjoys
spending time with her
children, running, and
playing tennis, but hates to cook! “I would
just like to reiterate to the students to take
full advantage of the great education they can
receive here at FMHS. High School is a fun
time in your life, but stay focused on long term
goals to succeed in a career,” says Ms. Johannes.
W h a t a r e y o u r p l a n s f o r t h e h o l i d a y b r e a k ?
by Kiyanna Wingate and Alex Hillberry
Damian Thorn, Senior
“I’m going to be playing rock band.” “I’ll either be traveling to New York or California
for a week, then I’ll spend the rest of
my vacation working.”
Students work hard to prepare
for Thanksgiving event
by Daniela Patino and Morgan Frink
(Back Row): Jeremy Heisler, Sergio Hernandez, Jordan Karpel, Grant Hampton
(Front Row): Jeaniva White, Iviana Correa, Tony Marion, Jimmy Smith
As you walked down the A hallway on
November 16, you could smell the wonderful
aroma of a freshly cooked Thanksgiving
dinner all the way down the hall. Mr. Pike’s
3rd period class prepared a feast for all of
their families, teachers, and faculty. This is the
second year that the class has hosted this event.
Meal preparation was a two day event. On
the final day the students started cooking at 7
a.m. to make sure everything was ready for
their guests’ arrival at 11 a.m. Each student
took on a task to put together this meal. Jeremy
Heisler, Grant Hampton, and Tony Marion all
helped deliver the chicken to the cafeteria to be
cooked. While they were there, they also picked
up their well-prepared ham. Jeaniva White
and Iviana Correa both prepared the corn bread
with the help of their classmate Tony Marion.
Jordan Karpel, Jimmy Smith, and Sergio
Hernandez all helped out by getting the
George Vidal, Junior Marissa Marazzi, Freshman Ryan Nimsger, Senior Shanika Gladney, Sophomore
vegetables started. Everyone made a wonderful
contribution to help make this meal a success.
Two students escorted their guests into the
room while others worked as servers and hosts.
Each and every student was extremely exited
to welcome their family, friends, and teachers
to this Thanksgiving feast. Everything that the
students made was full of love and appreciation
for everyone who attended the dinner.
Both Ms. White and Ms. Gonzalez, two
of the assistants that took part in helping
the students said, “Each individual did a
great job in arranging this get-together.”
At around 11:00 a.m., the room was filled
with tons of amazing food, exited students,
and so many thankful parents and teachers.
Everyone had a wonderful time preparing
for this successful event and really worked
hard to make the dinner such a success.
Congratulations to Mr. Pike and his students!
Jeaniva White and Iviana Correa work hard to prepare the corn bread muffins for the Thanksgiving meal.
“I’m going to Colorado to ski, open presents,
and have dinner with my family.”
Sara Kaner enjoying a good book.
“I’m going to spend time with my family and
relax from all the I.B. work.”
Drop Everything And Read
by Kiyanna Wingate
As you have probably noticed during your
5th period class, the school is now reading for
20 uninterrupted minutes each Wednesday.
SSR or silent sustained reading is a reading
intervention that is being implemented in
schools all over the nation. This is usually
a planned period of uninterrupted silent
reading. The basic principle of SSR is the
more students read, the more they will know
and the better readers they will become.
This program was created in order to enhance
the Reading FCAT scores of young adolescents.
Last year, students who read daily, scored
much higher than those who read only once a
week. Every Wednesday during fifth period,
students are required to bring reading material,
whether it’s a book, magazine, or articles
from the newspaper. Students will then be
able to enjoy 20 minutes of relaxing reading.
Students will not be allowed to work on any
other assignments, nor will they be allowed to
leave the room. An average of 18.1 minutes
spent reading in class every day will result
photo by Kiyanna Wingate
in you knowing seventy-two million words.
Books from the library have been dropped off to
classes, for those who forget to bring their own.
People, who read the most, read the best
because repeated reading of words plants the
words so deeply into our brains that we hardly
have to look at the entire word to understand it.
SSR is actually a good impact on the students
here at FMHS; reading stimulates the mind and
augments the use of vocabulary. Kiarra Johnson,
a sophomore here at FMHS says “I actually like
the fact we’ve started SSR, it gives my mind
time to relax from literature and equations”. In
truth, about a quarter of a class will complain
about not wanting to participate, which is
completely puzzling to those who appreciate
this time. The reading material is optional,
your choice, what more could you ask for?
This is the chance to explore the wonders
of legends, fictional characters, mysteries
and more. Be prepared to read your hearts
out every Wednesday, because SSR just
might be what you need to further exceed.
“I’ll be shopping and spending time with my
family in Maryland.”
Auriel Williams, Freshman
“I will be visiting my family in Virginia.”
Jean and David win the basketball competition. Jean Louisme and David
Westberry took on Mr. LaRosa and Mr. Eckhardt in a basketball competition at the pep rally
on November 29. Jean and David won the student body a “shorts day” for winning the
competition.
OPENING THIS FALL IN FORT MYERS